Question

Who was the first president of Travancore State Congress?

• A. Pattom A. Thanu Pillai
• B. C. Kesavan
• C. T.M. Varghese
• D. N.V. Joseph

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Pattom A. Thanu Pillai

Travancore State Congress and Pattom A. Thanu Pillai

• The Travancore State Congress was a political party formed in 1938 in the princely state of Travancore.
• Its primary objective was to agitate for responsible government in Travancore, ending the autocratic rule of the Diwan and the Maharaja.
• Pattom A. Thanu Pillai served as the first president of the Travancore State Congress.
• The formation of the State Congress was a significant step in the freedom struggle within the princely states, aligning with the broader Indian independence movement.

Key Facts about Pattom A. Thanu Pillai:

• He was a prominent leader in the freedom struggle within Kerala.
• Pattom A. Thanu Pillai was instrumental in leading the agitation for responsible government against the then Diwan, Sir C. P. Ramaswami Iyer.
• The Travancore State Congress launched several agitations, including the 'Civil Disobedience Movement' in 1938 and the 'Quit India' movement in Travancore (1942).
• Post-independence, Pattom A. Thanu Pillai became the first Chief Minister of the erstwhile Travancore-Cochin State (formed in 1949).
• He also served as the Chief Minister of Kerala State from 1960 to 1962.
• Later, he held the positions of Governor of Punjab and Governor of Andhra Pradesh.
• His political career spanned several decades and different administrative roles, making him a crucial figure in modern Kerala's political history.

Context of Responsible Government Agitations:

• The demand for responsible government in princely states gained momentum after the Indian National Congress passed resolutions supporting such movements in states.
• The Travancore State Congress faced severe repression from the Diwan, including arrests and bans.
• The agitation often involved boycotts, public meetings, and peaceful protests, drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent methods.
• The ultimate goal was the establishment of a democratic government accountable to the people, leading to the eventual integration of Travancore into the Indian Union.